Castlegar women’s centre to be named after Chrissy Archibald

The new women’s centre at Castlegar & District Community Services (CDCSS) has been up and running for several months now, but it hadn’t been given a name or had its grand opening.

That’s about to change as a grand opening date has been set and a decision has been made to name the centre after Chrissy Archibald, the Castlegar woman who was killed in June in the attack on London Bridge.

Archibald’s passion for helping others became well known at the time, and with the hashtag #Chrissysentme, people across the region and the world began donating to charities in her name.

The Castlegar women’s centre was one of those recipients of generosity, sparking the idea that naming the centre Chrissy’s Place would be a fitting tribute.

CDCSS executive director Kristein Johnson reached out to the Archibald family for their permission and they agreed that it was a good way to remember Chrissy.

The official grand opening of Chrissy’s Place will be held at Kinsmen Park from 2 to 5 p.m on Aug. 25. At 3 p.m. Archibald’s parents will participate in the official ribbon-cutting at the centre.

The event will include a free BBQ, silent auction items, tours of the centre, door prizes and face-painting.

Chrissy’s place is open Tuesday’s, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It offers a wide range of programs supporting women including workshops, peer groups, drop-in times, free Tuesday breakfasts, a book club, a resource library, finance and budgeting support, a talking circle, journalling, scrap booking and classes based on the interest of participants.

For more information about the centre’s programs or a monthly calendar contact Loui at the centre at 778-460-1512.